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What is a mind map?

The mind map is a registered trademark of The Buzan Organisation. Mind maps are a unique tool that can help you accomplish many things, or do them a whole lot better :)

Mind maps are made up of colour, words and pictures. All of these words, colours and pictures are linked together by branches that all route back to the central idea or image.

This unique way of organising your thoughts lets your brain naturally branch out into sub categories and sub-sub categories, while keeping the idea flowing and growing. The mind map is about as brain friendly and organic as it gets. It works with your brain, for your brain.

Before I talk about the marvelous wonders mind maps can work and how you can use them to your advantage, please take a look at the examples of mind maps page.

Mind maps really do work wonders, they can help you do countless things. I have listed just a few of them

Remember things and improve your memory

Be creative and keep ideas flowing

Organise your thinking

Planning a piece of writing (In fact I use mind maps for planning these website pages!)

Studying for tests and exams

Note taking...

And much, much more!

Have you seen any significant changes in your grades, your organization or your general motivation to work because of mind mapping? Here is your chance to share it with the world! Click on the link below to find out how.Share your mind mapping achievements and success

Why do mind maps work?

These days, most people know that your brain has two parts to it. The left side controls the right half of your body and vice versa.

The left half of your brain deals with things such as words, logic, numbers, sequence, linearity, analysis and lists.

The right side deals with rhythm, awareness, imagination, daydreaming, colour and dimension.

Which side of your brain do you use the most?
The answer is probably left, right?
This is because...
The main feature of your notes are words
You make notes in lists
Your notes are vertical and in a downwards structure
Your notes are on lined paper
You try to be smart about what you do
But most importantly, when you try to remember something, you try to remember the facts and figures.

You see what I mean, you are only using HALF of your brain to remember things. Imagine if you could incorporate both sides of your brain into learning and remembering things. Your brain power would double!

But you know what the best thing is; mind maps do exactly just that! Mind maps use both the left and the right side of your brain.

Do this quick exercise to show yourself how your brain literally loves using the right side of your brain too.

Think about the last concert you went to. Think about it for a few seconds...

What band/ singer was playing?
What songs were they playing?
What was the venue like?
Was anybody there with you?

Now tell me how your brain thought about this.
Did it come up with a list of all the things that happened.
I think not!
Your brain, most likely gave you a picture in your mind of what this concert was like. You pictured the band, you heard a snippet of the songs they were playing, you pictured the stage.

And optionally, complete this survey to see if mind maps would be a great substitution for your notes. If you want to submit and view results from all the other people that have taken the survey, click submit, but remember to come back here after!

This Form cannot be submitted until the missing fields (labelled below in red) have been filled in

When taking notes, do you...

Write them on lined paper?

Yes

No

Write them in only one colour?

Yes

No

Write them in lists or other linear structure (eg bullets)

Yes

No

The main element of your notes are words?

Yes

No

Get bored reviewing your notes

Yes

No

Wish there was another magic soloution to take notes?

Yes

No

If you answered yes to 4 or more of the questions, then mind maps would be a perfect soloution to note taking for you.

So now you see? Mind maps double your brain power (and much more) because you are using the whole other half of your brain.

Consider taking some time to watch this video featuring Tony Buzan talking about mind maps.

Share you mind mapping success with the world!

Have you seen any sudden changes in your grades at school, or maybe at work, or maybe you've just become more efficient in your work -- All because of mind mapping.

Well here's your chance. Jump in and share your mind mapping success with the world! Chances are, we'll create a page about your mind mapping success to share with all of the other visitors.

All you have to do is simply write! You got it, simple as that (although we more than love a photo or two) :D So fill out the form, take some pictures, and guide us through your wonderful mind mapping journey.

Your story will appear on a Web page exactly the way you enter it here. You can wrap a word in square brackets to make it appear bold. For example [my story] would show as my story on the Web page containing your story.

TIP: Since most people scan Web pages, include your best thoughts in your first paragraph.